Today’s Gospel presents us with an incident on the Sabbath with the disciples. The parallel text in Matthew’s Gospel reads “At that time, Jesus was going through a field of grain,” Saint Thomas Aquinas says that this phrase “at that time,” is actually quite important, because it means that Christ…
Every Friday, during Lent, we fast in the seminary. Following the invitation made by the readings of Ash Wednesday, we make a sign during lunch, and instead of eating a regular meal, we only have bread and water. We eat in silence, while a seminarian reads an account taken from…
Today’s Entrance Antiphon draws us straight into the heart of Peter’s cry in the Gospel: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry to you all day long. O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of mercy to all who call to you.” This is the heart of…
As I meditate on today’s Gospel, the following phrase stands out to me: “At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place” (Lk 4:42). When we zoom out and look at the rest of the Gospel, we will notice how often Jesus pulls away from His ministry in order…
These two words are often used interchangeably in most contexts, especially in everyday situations. However, the Scriptures, especially the New Testament, present the two words in different lights. The word “authority”, translated from ἐξουσίᾳ (exousia), entails a right to exercise a given mission, to make a decision, or to exercise…
Into this scene walks Jesus to bring good news to the poor. Picture the synagogue in Nazareth on a Sabbath day. The faithful community gathers to read and interpret the Torah. In those days, the synagogue was not only a place of worship but also a forum for dialogue and…
Back when I was much younger, I often joined my friends in celebrating town feasts in the Philippines. These celebrations were truly grand and spectacular. Each house would prepare their own buffets and warmly (and insistingly!) invite anyone to eat. Thanks to their generosity, that day we would have free…
The readings of today have a special meaning for me, as there are “family” quotes buried in there. These “phrases” often pop out during family talks or texts. Talents also get discussed. Sort of like inside family jokes. “Well done, my good and trusted servant.” If a child or family…
This is the will of God, your holiness:that you refrain from immorality,that each of you know how to acquire a wife for himselfin holiness and honor, not in lustful passionas do the Gentiles who do not know God;not to take advantage of or exploit a brother or sister in this…
Today is the Feast of St. Augustine, Bishop, and Doctor of the Church. St. Augustine is one of the most well-known saints, largely due to his incredibly influential book Confessions as well as his influence on theological thought throughout the centuries. St. Augustine was born in 354 in Africa. His…